Mummified Mealy Bug Product and Method

ABSTRACT

A Biological Control Agent (BCA) system comprising processed parasitized mealybug mummies is disclosed. The processed and modified parasitized mealybug mummies are essentially devoid of their limbs and waxy covering. In the novel BCA system the modified parasitized mealybug mummies are processed in a manner that strips off their waxy covering and detaches their limbs without impacting on their viability as a host for parasitoid pupae. The modified parasitized mealybug mummies of the BCA system are encased in specially adapted packaging for delivering and distributing the modified parasitized mealybug mummies to plants with mealybug infestations. A method of preparing and storing the modified parasitized mealybug mummies as a BCA is also presented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of biological control agentsfor crop protection, and more particularly using mummified products andmethods thereof for crop protection.

2. Background Art

The use of insects as Biological Control Agents (BCA) is an expandingfield with many advantages over chemical pest control and cropprotection. Insect BCA's are able to naturally control other insectspecies that act as pests on the crop.

Mealybugs, insects of the Pseudococcidae family, feed on the plantjuices of greenhouse crops, houseplants and sub-tropical trees. Thefemale mealybug attaches itself to the plant and secretes a protectivewaxy layer while sucking the plant's sap and attracting ants. Sootymould develops on the mealybugs' sugary secretions, known as honeydew,thereby increasing the damage to the plant. Prominent mealybug speciesinclude the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso), targeting citrusfruit in particular and the polyphagous solanum mealybug, Phenacoccussolani (Ferris) that attacks a wide variety of plant species.

Although there are a variety of chemical methods for controllingmealybugs, biological means directly targeting the pest are preferableboth for the environment as well as for the potential consumers. In thecase of mealybugs, manual removal with water jets or wiping withmethylated spirits is an option for smaller manifestations, but isimpractical for larger, commercial crops.

In nature there are a variety of mealybug natural enemies that may beadvantageous as BCA's in controlling mealybugs, such as the ladybirdbeetles Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Australian Ladybird), Scymnus spp.and a whole array of insect parasitoids.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,108 describes a method and apparatus for theairborne dispensation of dry insect eggs, especially those of parasiticwasps such as Trichogramma and including any and all other parasite andpredator insects that can be useful in biological control. The eggs aredispersed from a container by gravity through a metering device, aspreader distributes the loose eggs in a suitable broadcast pattern,thus providing a method of dispersing non-adult parasitic wasps asBCA's.

Chinese patent application CN2810197 discloses an insect-inducing fruitbelt for a fruit tree, taking advantage of the hiding and overwinteringhabit of pests to trap them and comprises a corrugated board, with anouter sticking face or an inner lining board. The corrugated board isarranged between the inner lining board and the outer sticking face. Theinsect-inducing belt attracts primary fruit tree pests that overwinterin the peeling cracks of branches, such as spider mites, kang'smealybug, grass shoe scale insects, leaf rollers, etc. The trapping rateof the insect-inducing belt of CN2810197 is up to 95%.

European patent application EP0210447A provides an agent for controllingharmful insects in agricultural and market garden crops in which living,partly grown parasitic wasps intended for the biological control ofinsects are filled into gelatin capsules for better dissemination anddosage. The parasitic wasps are of two to three different stages ofdevelopment per capsule. The capsules have at least one perforation topromote hatching of the parasitic wasps and are preferably made delayedsoluble and swellable in water.

However, there is a long felt need for an effective, efficient andnon-toxic BCA for the control of mealybugs that utilizes a naturalparasitoid/host relationship.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of insect control and morespecifically to a system and method of controlling mealybug infestationswith a Biological Control Agent (BCA) system.

It is one object of the present invention to disclose a BiologicalControl Agent (BCA) system comprising processed parasitized mealybugmummies; such that the processed parasitized mealybug mummies areessentially devoid of their limbs and waxy covering.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem in which modified parasitized mealybug mummies are processed in amanner that strips off their waxy covering and detaches their limbswithout impacting on their viability as a host for parasitoid pupae.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem in which processed parasitized mealybug mummies are encased inspecially adapted packaging for delivering and distributing saidmodified parasitized mealybug mummies.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem in which processed parasitized mealybug mummies has storagecapacity of up to about 28 days.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem in which processed parasitized mealybug mummies has storagecapacity of between about 14 days to about 28 days.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem in which processed parasitized mealybug mummies has storagecapacity of up to about 14 days.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem, in which the mummified mealybug product is derived from anymealybug species including but not limited to Planococcus citri,Planococcus ficus, Planococcus vovae, Phenacoccus solani, Phenacoccusmadeirensis Phenacoccus herreni, Pseudococcus comstocki, Pseudococcuscryptus, Pseudococcus viburni, Pseudococcus longispinus Dysmicoccusbrevipes, and Maconellicoccus hirsutus or any combination therein.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a BCAsystem in which the parasitoid is selected from species that parasitizemealybug nymphs or adults, especially endo-parasitic wasps.

In another aspect of the present invention a BCA system is disclosed inwhich the parasitic wasp is selected from the family Encyrtidaeincluding Leptomastix algirica and Anagyrus pseudococci or anycombination therein.

It is one object of the present invention to disclose a method ofcontrolling mealybug infestations on a plant, comprising the steps ofinfesting a host plant with 1^(st) instar stage of the mealybug; andparasitizing mealybug nymphs and young females; wherein the methodfurther comprises the steps of: (a) detaching mealybug nymphs and youngfemales from said host plant, (b) parasitizing said detached mealybugnymphs and young females; (c) incubating the parasitized mealybugs toproduce mummified parasitized mealybug mixture; (d) rinsing themummified parasitized mealybug mixture; (e) separating out the viablemummified parasitized mealybugs, from said mixture; (f) drying theviable mummified parasitized mealybugs; (g) packaging said viablemummified parasitized mealybugs so as to obtain a processed parasitizedmealybug mummy product devoid of limbs and waxy covering; and, (h)administering said parasitized mealybug mummy product to a crop at riskof infestation by mealybugs or to an infested crop, thereby controllingmealybug infestations on said plant.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofcontrolling mealybug infestations on a plant, wherein the methodcomprises the steps of; (a) infesting a host plant with 1^(st) instarstage of the mealybug; (b) detaching mealybug nymphs and young femalesfrom said host plant; (c) parasitizing said detached mealybug nymphs andyoung females; (d) incubating the parasitized mealybugs to producemummified parasitized mealybug mixture; (e) rinsing the mummifiedparasitized mealybug mixture; (f) separating out the viable mummifiedparasitized mealybugs, from said mixture; (g) drying the viablemummified parasitized mealybugs; (h) packaging said viable mummifiedparasitized mealybugs so as to obtain a processed parasitized mealybugmummy product devoid of limbs and waxy covering; and, (i) administeringsaid parasitized mealybug mummy product to a crop at risk of infestationby mealybugs or to an infested crop, thereby controlling mealybuginfestations on said plant.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose the methodas defined above, further comprising the step of storing said packagedmummified parasitized mealybugs before administering it to the plant.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproducing a mealybug BCA, comprising the steps of infesting a host plantwith 1^(st) instar stage of the mealybug, and, parasitizing saiddetached mealybug nymphs and young females; wherein said method furthercomprises the steps of: (a) detaching mealybug nymphs and young femalesfrom said host plant; (b) incubating the parasitized mealybugs toproduce mummified parasitized mealybug mixture; (c) rinsing themummified parasitized mealybug mixture; (d) separating out the viablemummified parasitized mealybugs, from said mixture; (e) drying theviable mummified parasitized mealybugs; (f) packaging said viablemummified parasitized mealybugs, said packaged mummified parasitizedmealybugs are devoid of limbs and waxy covering; and, (g) storing and/ordistributing said packaged mummified parasitized mealybugs as a mealybugBCA.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproducing a mealybug BCA, wherein said method comprises the steps of;(a) infesting a host plant with 1^(st) instar stage of the mealybug; (b)detaching mealybug nymphs and young females from said host plant; (c)parasitizing said detached mealybug nymphs and young females; (d)incubating the parasitized mealybugs to produce mummified parasitizedmealybug mixture; (e) rinsing the mummified parasitized mealybugmixture; (f) separating out the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs,from said mixture; (g) drying the viable mummified parasitizedmealybugs; (h) packaging said viable mummified parasitized mealybugs,said packaged mummified parasitized mealybugs are devoid of limbs andwaxy covering; and, (i) storing and/or distributing said packagedmummified parasitized mealybugs as a mealybug BCA.

It is a further objective of the present invention to disclose a methodof controlling mealybug infestations on a plant, comprising the stepsof; infesting a host plant with 1^(st) instar stage of the mealybug,detaching mealybug nymphs and young females, parasitizing mealybug3^(rd) instar nymphs and young females, incubating the parasitizedmealybugs, rinsing the mummified parasitized mealybug mixture,separating out the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs from saidmixture, drying the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs, packagingsaid viable mummified parasitized mealybugs, and distributing packagedmummified parasitized mealybugs, such that a modified parasitizedmealybug mummy product is provided, devoid of limbs and waxy coveringand administering said product to a crop at risk of infestation or aninfested crop.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA, such thatthe step of infesting comprises an additional step of maintaining saidmealybug 1^(st) instar nymphs for about 25 days at about 25° C. (for thecitrus mealybug) and between about 35 and about 42 days at about 27° C.(for the solanum mealybug) and about 60% relative humidity on afactitious plant host, till they reach the 3^(rd) instar nymph or youngfemale stage.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of producing amealybug BCA is disclosed in which the factitious plant host is a potatosprout.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose the methodas defined above, wherein the step of parasitizing, comprises a step ofparasitizing mealybug 3^(rd) instar nymphs and young females.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA in whichthe step of detaching comprises an additional step of blowing mealybugnymphs or young females from their factitious host plant using an airblower.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA in whichthe step of detaching comprises an additional step of blowing mealybug3^(rd) instar mealybug nymphs or young females from their factitioushost plant using an air blower.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA, in whichthe step of parasitizing mealybug nymphs and young females comprises theadditional step of separating dirt and small mealybugs from largermealybugs through a sieving tower.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA, in whichthe step of parasitizing mealybug nymphs and young females comprises theadditional step of separating dirt and small mealybugs from largermealybugs through a sieving tower, thereby obtaining 3^(rd) instarmealybug nymphs and young females.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA, in whichthe step of parasitizing mealybug nymphs comprises the additional stepof exposing weighed and quantified mealybug nymphs and young females tothe prospective parasitoid population in a parasitization cage.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA in whichthe step of parasitizing mealybug nymphs comprises the additional stepof exposing weighed and quantified 3^(rd) instar mealybug nymphs andyoung females to the prospective parasitoid population in aparasitization cage.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose the methodas defined above, wherein the step of incubating, comprises theadditional step of incubating the parasitized mealybugs to producemummified parasitized mealybug mixture, in a parasitization cage.

It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention to disclose amethod of providing a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA,in which the step of incubating parasitized mealybugs comprises theadditional step of removing parasitized mealybugs from saidparasitization cage to be incubated until the parasitoids reach thepupal or pre-pupal stage, while replenishing the parasitization cagewith fresh unparasitized mealybug population.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA in whichthe step of rinsing parasitized mealybugs comprises the additional stepof rinsing parasitized mealybugs that have reached the parasitoid'spupal or pre-pupal stage through a sieving tower with water spraynozzles, and thereby separating out large viable mealybug mummies fromdead and/or small mealybugs.

It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention to disclose amethod of providing a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCAin which the step of separating out viable parasitized mealybugs mummiescomprises the additional step of selecting floating mealybugs andmummies from mixtures that have been drained in a conical water bath.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA in whichthe step of drying viable mealybug mummies comprises the additional stepof drying said mummies by draining them on a screened tray and exposingthem to an air flow in a drying chamber.

It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention to disclose amethod of providing a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCAin which the packing step comprises the additional step of weighing andquantifying said parasitized mealybug mummies by counting samples undera stereoscopic microscope.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing amealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA is disclosed in which aquantified population of viable parasitized mealybug mummies is providedfor storage or distribution.

It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention to disclose amethod of providing a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCAin which the packing step comprises the additional step of mixingparasitized mealybug mummies with fine sawdust in a 5:1 ratio,respectively, in a ventilated and labeled plastic container inpreparation for storage at 14° C.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to disclose a method ofproviding a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA, in whichthe distribution step comprises the additional steps of obtaining storedor fresh batches of parasitized mealybug mummies, replenishing them withfine sawdust mixture to the desired level, then placing 2 grams,equivalent to 500-1000 parasitized mealybug mummy individuals in asealed ventilated container with a detachable adhesive label.

It is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention to disclose amethod of providing a mealybug population for producing a mealybug BCA,in which a mummified parasitized mealybug product is provided adapted tobe attached to a plant or an object adjoining a crop to function as aneffective distribution means of the mealybug BCA at the desiredlocation.

It is one object of the present invention to disclose a method ofproducing mummified mealybug product devoid of limbs and waxy layercomprising the steps of; incubating mealybugs to the correct nymphalstage or young female on a factitious plant host; detaching themealybugs with specially adapted air blower from said plant host;obtaining mealybug 3^(rd) instar nymphs and young females by separatingout detached mealybugs according to size; sampling selected mealybug3^(rd) instar nymphs and young females to estimate population size,exposing selected mealybugs to adult endoparasitoids, incubatingparasitized mealybugs until the parasitoids reach pupal or pre-pupalstage and the mealybugs turn into mummies; rinsing and separating outlarge viable mummies from the population of parasitized mealybugs;drying selected parasitized mealybug mummies on screened tray; such thata mummified parasitized mealybug product is obtained useful as a BCA.

It is one object of the present invention to disclose a mummifiedparasitized mealybug product, in which each mealybug is essentiallydevoid of limbs and waxy covering enclosed in a packaged form in acontainer with detachable adhesive labeling for attaching to a plant orobject wherein said mummified parasitized mealybug product is aneffective mealybug BCA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may beimplemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now bedescribed, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to theaccompanying drawings; wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a first incubation stageof the preparation of the mummified pupal product;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a second exposure toparasitoid stage in the preparation of the mummified pupal product;

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a third incubation stagein the preparation mummified mealybug product;

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a fourth rinsing andpreparation stage in the production of the mummified mealybug product;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a fifth and finalpacking stage of the production process of the mummified mealybugproduct;

FIG. 6 is a photographic illustration of processed and unprocessedmummified parasitized solanum mealybugs containing the pupae of L.algirica parasitic wasp;

FIG. 7 is a photographic illustration of processed and unprocessedmummified parasitized citrus mealybugs containing the pupae of A.pseudococci parasitic wasp;

FIG. 8 is a graphic illustration showing the storage capacity of theAnagyrus pseudococci mummies product, as an embodiment of the presentinvention; and,

FIG. 9 is a graphic illustration showing storage capacity of theLeptomastix algirica mummies product, as a further embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Mealybugs are insects of the Hemiptera order and belong to thePseudococcidae family. Most species of mealybugs are found worldwide andare polyphagous pests of a wide variety of plant species. The mealybugsucks the sap of the host plant causing direct and indirect damage. Thedirect damage is in the form of distortion and yellowing of the foliageand sometimes defoliation as well as loss of flowers and fruit ifpresent. The large quantities of honeydew produced by the mealybug whichcoats stems, leaves, flowers and fruit, serves as a substrate forsooty-mould fungi (Capnodium spp.) and also attracts ants, causingindirect damage to the plant. In high quantities, the sooty-mould isunsightly, inhibits photosynthesis and reduces the desirability of theproduct to the consumer.

The citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) is a worldwidepolyphagous pest of citrus, vineyards, persimmon and ornamental plantsin interior plants capes and protected cultures, feeding on plants fromover 25 families. The females and nymphal stages are smaller than ⅛ inchand are soft, oval and wingless and covered with a fluffy white waxringed with white wax tufts. Males are tiny gnat-like insects that haveone pair of wings and do not cause direct damage to plants. Oncefertilized by the male, the female will lay about 400 to 600 tiny eggscovered by an ovisac of dense, fluffy white wax and hatch within 2-10days depending on temperature and other environmental conditions. Atemperature of 25° C. and a citrus plant are optimal for the life cycleof the citrus mealybug. Females undergo 3 nymphal stages while malesundergo 4 nymphal stages. Each nymphal stage is separated by a molt.

The citrus mealybug can develop between 2 to 8 generations in a year andcan be found on trees on their trunks and branches and on leaves,usually scattered throughout the tree canopy. Although the females arewingless, they may make periodic migrations to the trunk and mainbranches to lay eggs. Females are unable to migrate by flying and canonly move by walking. Passive dispersion of females or nymphs occurswhen they are carried by the wind and sometimes by ants that attend themealybugs' colony.

During the period of citrus fruit set, the young nymphs are particularlyactive and colonize the calyx of the small, developing fruit and duringthe summer several generations may develop on the fruit surface,covering it with honeydew and consequently attracting sooty-mould.Chlorotic spots caused by the sooty-mould may lead to reduction in fruitsize. Thus the mealybug colonies, honeydew, sooty mould, chlorotic spotsand reduced fruit size are visible at harvesting and the cosmetic damagecan cause extensive financial loss to the citrus fruit industry.

The solanum mealybug Phenacoccus solani Ferris is also found worldwideand is a polyphagous species found on over 52 plant species in 25different botanical families, including many important commercial cropssuch as pepper, tarragon, tomato, basil, ornamental plants such asOrnithogalum and berries such as Physalis peruviana and on weeds,particularly Cyperus rotundus, Conyza spp, Prosopis farcta andAmaranthus spp.

The solanum mealybug measures between ⅕ to ⅛ inches and isyellowy-brown, oval, slightly rounded insect with red legs covered bywhite mealy wax. The larva hatches inside the female body immediatelyafter spawning, which lasts 4 to 5 weeks and produces about 120offspring in the lifetime of the female. The solanum mealybug preferredoptimal temperature is 25° C.

The solanum mealybug causes direct and indirect damage to crops in a waysimilar to the citrus mealybug, by sucking sap and depositing honeydewthat attracts both ants and sooty-mould fungi. In addition, the solanummealybug causes deformations and degeneration in young plants andfruits. The plants are weakened by plant-sucking as a result of toxinspenetrating the plant during the time that the solanum mealybug feeds onthe plant.

Other species of mealybugs such as the cryptic or citriculus mealybug(Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel), the obscure mealybug [Pseudococcusviburni (Signoret),] and the longtailed mealybug [Ps. longispinus(Targioni Tozzetti)] cause similar types of damage to extensive varietyof commercial agricultural crops.

It is therefore a preferred embodiment of the present invention toprovide a non-toxic, mummified mealybug, pupal product adapted tocontrol mealybug populations in a non-toxic manner. In this and otherembodiments of the present invention a modified or processed mealybugproduct is disclosed, substantially adapted from native mealybugpopulations.

In nature the mealybugs possess a multitude of parasitoid species thatlay their egg or eggs inside the mealybug and in which the parasitoidlarva and pupa take over the mealybug, preventing further mealybugoffspring from being produced. The parasitic wasp Anagyrus pseudococci(Girault), is a major parasitoid of vine and citrus mealybug pests andLeptomastix algirica Trjapitzin is a parasitoid of the solanum mealybug,the cryptic mealybug, the obscure mealybug and the longtailed mealybug.Both parasitoids are members of the Encyrtidae family and act asmealybug parasitoids by laying their eggs in mealybug nymphs or adults.

A. pseudococci specializes as a parasitoid of citrus mealybug,Planococcus citri, the vine mealybug, P. ficus and the cypress mealybugP. vovae. However as a polyphagous, world-wide solitary endoparasitoid,it also attacks distantly related mealybug species such as Pseudococcuscomstocki (Kuwana), Phenacoccus herreni Cox and Williams, Dysmicoccusbrevipes (Cockerell), and Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green.

A. pseudococci is an arrhenotokous species, meaning that fertilized eggswill produce female offspring whereas non-fertilized eggs will yieldmales. The female is about 1.5-2 mm in length and brown, withdistinctive black and white banded antennae. The male is smaller(0.8-0.9 mm in length), black in color bearing an arch-like pair ofantennae.

The preferred hosts for the parasitoid are third instar mealybug nymphs,but the wasps will also readily parasitize second instars as well asyoung females. The female parasitoid lays a single egg in each host anda female can lay up to about 15 eggs a day if provided with an excess ofhosts. Eggs laid in smaller hosts usually produce males. Theparasitoid's larva consumes the contents of the mealybug from the insideand pupates inside the mummified skin of the host, emerging through anirregular exit hole gnawed at the posterior end of the mummy.Development of A. pseudococci occurs within a temperature range of 13°C. to 38° C. A. pseudococci is strongly attracted to light and isrendered inactive in darkness, thus it is able to reproduce most rapidlyduring the summer months. Under a constant temperature of 34° C., A.pseudococci completes development (from egg to adult emergence) in justover 10 days, such that there can be 2-3 parasitoid generations per eachhost mealybug generation.

A. pseudococci disperses actively by flying from one plant to anotherand/or by walking along the plant in the search for mealybugs. Within 2weeks it can be found a few dozens of meters from its original releasespot. Once encountered, the mealybug host is examined and probed by theovipositor of the parasitoid. Oviposition success is affected by thedefense activity of mealybugs. Ants must be destroyed before releasingA. pseudococci because they encourage honeydew secretion by themealybugs and transfer them from one place to another whilst protectingthem vigorously from the parasitoid' attack.

The parasitic wasp L. algirica is an indigenous species, of unknownorigin, and also found in Cyprus, Greece, Near East including: AsianTurkey, Caucasian Russian republics, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan,Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), Arabian peninsula,Iran, Iraq and North Africa. L. algirica is a parasitoid of some majormealybug pests such as the solanum mealybug, the cryptic mealybug, theobscure mealybug and the long-tailed mealybug. The specificity of L.algirica and its capacity to function effectively even at low levels ofmealybugs, make this parasitoid superior to mealybug predators. Thefemale is about 1.4-1.5 mm in length, its body moderately robust,generally dark brown, the male is similar to female but smaller (0.9 mmin length). Its antennae are clothed with long setae.

The duration of development from egg to adult of L. algirica istemperature dependant and takes 35, 24, and 19 days at temperatures of20° C., 25° C. and 30° C., respectively. In another embodiment, theduration of development from egg to adult of L. algirica takes 20 daysat 27° C. Fecundity (at 25° C.) is 5 offspring per female per day butcould reach as high as 20 offspring per day. The mean percentages of L.algirica's egg encapsulation by the solanum mealybug is low andaveraging around 3%, indicating that this parasitoid well fits forbiological control of the solanum mealybug.

It is therefore a further preferred embodiment of the present inventionto provide a modified or processed mummified mealybug product containinga parasitoid pupal product. In this and other preferred embodiments theparasitoid is preferably a parasitic wasp of the Encrytidae family,including but not limited to L. algirica and A. pseudococci.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 in the drawings in which a schematicflow diagram is shown illustrating the first stage 10 of the preparationof the mummified pupal product. In this first step of this stage 11infestation with mealybugs is induced. Mealybug crawlers in the 1^(st)instar stage are provided with a factitious plant host, such as potatosprouts and commence to infest the aforementioned factitious host. Themealybug young instars are then kept 12 in a darkened climate controlledroom for approximately 21-28 days at about 25° C. (for the citrusmealybug) and about 35-42 days at about 27° C. (for the solanummealybug) both at approximately 60% relative humidity.

FIG. 2 illustrates the second stage of preparation for the mummifiedmealybug pupal product in which the mealybugs are exposed to theparasitoids 20. Firstly the mealybugs are detached from the potatosprouts using a high pressure air blower 21 and then the detachedmealybugs are run through a sieving tower to separate dirt and smallmealybugs from the desired stage and size of mealybug 22. Theaforementioned sieving process filters out mealybug nymphs, i.e. 3^(rd)instar nymphs, and adult females, that are then weighed and sampled inorder to estimate population size 23. In the next step of the secondstage, mature parasitic wasps are quantified by their weight (theprocedure takes place inside a cold chamber to reduce their activity)and are placed in small vials to be used as a sting stock for themealybugs 24. In the next step the quantified mealybugs are exposed tothe quantified adult wasps in a parasitization cage for the productionof mummified mealybugs 25. At this stage, the ratio of mealybugs toparasites is variable as is the duration and number of the mutualexposures (3 for the citrus mealybug and up to 12 for the solanummealybug). The parasitized mealybugs' tray is removed from theparasitization cage 26 while the cage is replenished with a new batch offresh mealybugs. The latter are introduced into the parasitization cageand the tray containing the mealybugs already parasitized is placed inan incubation chamber for the next stage of the process.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 in the drawings schematicallyillustrating the incubation stage 30 of preparing the mummified mealybugproduct. In this stage the parasitized mealybugs are incubated for aperiod of time that is parasitoid specific 31. Before transferring theparasitized mealybugs to the next stage of the preparation, theparasitoids within the mummified mealybugs should be in the pre-pupal orpupal stage 32.

FIG. 4 illustrates in a schematic flow diagram, the rinsing andpreparation process 40 in the next stage of the production of themummified mealybug product. In this embodiment, in a first step of thecleaning and rinsing stage, the mix of mealybugs and mummies is rinsedthrough a sieving tower using water spray nozzles 41. In the next step,viable large mummies are separated from dead and small mealybugs 42.Small mummies are also separated from large mummies, as the former aremore likely to yield male wasps. In the next step the mix of mealybugsand mummies is drained into a conical water bath for a second series ofseparation between viable mummies, dead mummies or mealybugs 43. Livemealybug mummies have a floating trait, thus in the next stage the livemummies are separated and distinguished by this feature and the wholemixture is water-sprayed several times to obtain clean viable mummies.In the next step the floating mummies are drained to a screened tray andtransferred into a drying chamber where hot air flow is blown againstthe separated and selected mummies to dry off water residues 44.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 in the drawings, showing a schematicflow diagram of the final packing stage 50 of the production process. Inthis stage, the mummies are collected from the drying chamber andtransferred to a plastic container and weighed 51. The next step is aquantity control step in which 3 samples of mummies, weighingapproximately 0.25 g, are each counted under a stereoscopic microscopeto estimate batch quantity 52. In the next step the mummified product ispacked either for storage 53 or for marketing 54. Mummified products forstorage are mixed with a fine sawdust mixture at a ratio of 1:5 ofsawdust to mummies and then are placed in a ventilated plastic containerto be stored at 14° C. Each container is labeled individually with thebatch number, packaging date and amount of mummies per package beforebeing put in storage.

In an alternative embodiment, in the next step the mummified product ispacked for marketing. In this embodiment the mummies and/or mummies'mixture (taken from storage) are mixed with the fine sawdust to ensureboth the right amount of mummies per container and the right weight perpackage of approximately 2 grams. Each package contains approximately500 to 1000 individual mummified mealybugs. In another preferredembodiment, the mummified product is packaged for marketing, previoussize selection steps ensure that the larger mummies, generallycontaining female parasitoids, are selected thereby ensuring that atleast 50% of the emerging adults are females. In this and otherembodiments, a continuous quality control process is carried out toensure the quality of the mummified pupal product.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the finalmummified pupal product is packaged to provide a comprehensive BCAsystem. In this embodiment the mummified pupal products are packaged ina sealed, ventilated, plastic container, further surrounded by adetachable double-sided adhesive label. In this embodiment the sealedcontainer is distributed to the consumer and when required for use, theadhesive label is partially detached, so as to expose an adhesivesurface. Said adhesive surface serves at least two purposes, firstly thepartially detached adhesive surface can be used to attach the mummifiedpupal system to the correct branch or other location on the desiredplant. The lid of the packaging is then opened to allow the emergingwasps to escape and parasitize further mealybugs. At this stage, thepartially detached adhesive label serves its second purpose. In thisembodiment, the adhesive label traps ants and other non-desired walkinginsects attracted to the mealybugs' mummies and as the emergingparasitoid wasps are capable of flying they are not entrapped by theadhesive label and can fly out uninterruptedly.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7 in the drawings, in which thenovel mummified pupal product is shown alongside an unprocessed mealybugmummy 60, 70. In FIG. 6, an unprocessed solanum mealybug mummy 61 isshown, with the body and legs covered by a white mealy wax. Theprocessed mealybug mummy 62 has been stripped of its wax. Both mummiescontain the pupa of the L. algirica parasitic wasp.

FIG. 7 shows the mummy of an intact, unprocessed citrus mealybug 71,with protruding legs and a covering of soft, fluffy wax. By contrast theprocessed mummified mealybug product 72 is limbless and devoid of thewaxy covering. Both mummies contain the pupa of the parasitic wasp, A.pseudococci.

It is understood that the foregoing detailed description is given merelyby way of illustration and that modifications and variations may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As used herein the term “about” denotes ±10% of the defined amount ormeasure or value.

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may beimplemented in practice, a plurality of preferred embodiments will nowbe described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to thefollowing examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Storage Capacity of the Anagyrus pseudococci Mummies Product

In this experiment, fresh mummies were put into storage at 14° C. andcomplete darkness. Samples from the stored batch were taken out ofstorage at different time intervals, between 0 and 28 days, and adultwasps were left to emerge at 25° C. Emergence rate and female fertilitywere examined for each storage interval.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8 showing a graphical representationrelating to the storage capacity of the Anagyrus pseudococci mummiesproduct. In this figure, graph (a) represents the number of adultsdivided by the total of mummies in a sample, and graph (b) representsthe number of matured eggs in a young (24 Hrs. old) female ovaries.

As shown in FIG. 8, no significant decrease, in both adult emergencerate and fertility, was observed in mummies, which were stored up to 18days. Thus, it can be concluded that the processed mummies product ofthe present invention comprising the parasitoid Anagyrus pseudococci canbe stored for about 18 days before administering/distributing it as abiological control agent (BCA).

EXAMPLE 2 Storage Capacity of the Leptomastix algirica Mummies Product

In this experiment, fresh mummies were put into storage at 12° C. andcomplete darkness. Samples from the stored batch were taken out ofstorage at different time intervals, between 0 and 49 days, and adultwasps were left to emerge at 25° C. Emergence rate and female fertilitywere examined for each storage interval.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 showing a graphical representationrelating to the storage capacity of the Leptomastix algirica mummiesproduct. In this figure, graph (a) represents the number of adultsdivided by the total of mummies in a sample, and, graph (b) representsthe number of mature eggs in a young (24 Hrs. old) female ovaries.

As shown in FIG. 9, no significant decrease in emergence rate wasobserved in mummies, which were stored up to 14 days. Furthermore, nosignificant decrease in fertility was observed in adult females thatemerged from mummies, which were stored up to 28 days. Thus it can beconcluded that the processed mummies product of the present inventioncomprising the parasitoid Leptomastix algirica can be stored for atleast about 14 days before administering/distributing it as a biologicalcontrol agent (BCA).

EXAMPLE 3 Leptomastix algirica Parasitization and the Phenacoccus solaniAcceptance by the Wasps

Fresh mealybugs were supplied daily to the same female wasp in order tolearn about the wasp parasitisation potential through time. Thedifferent mealybug batches were incubated until parasitisation could bedetermined (mummy stage). Number of mummies was counted, followed byadult emergence in order to calculate the number of successfulparasitisations conducted by the aging female (during different ages),emergence rate of the offspring of different age mothers and, sex ratioof the offspring.

In order to determine Phenacoccus solani acceptance by the wasps, vitaldetached mealybugs were introduced to fresh wasps over a period of 12days. The wasps were changed daily while the mealybugs were aging inorder to test their acceptance by the parasitoids. The suspectedparasitized mealybugs batches were incubated until parasitization couldbe established. Mummies and emerging female and male wasps wererecorded.

EXAMPLE 4 Anagyrus pseudococci Parasitization and the Planococcus citriAcceptance by the Wasps

Fresh mealybugs were supplied daily to the same female wasp in order tolearn about the wasp parasitisation potential through time. Thedifferent mealybug batches were incubated until successfulparasitisation could be determined (mummy stage). Mummies were countedfollowed by adult emergence in order to calculate the number ofsuccessful parasitisation by the aging female (during different ages),the emergence rate of the offspring of different age mothers and sexratio of the offspring.

In order to assess Planococcus citri acceptance by the wasps, vitaldetached mealybugs were introduced to fresh wasps over a period of 70hours. The wasps were changed periodically while the mealybugs wereaging in order to test their acceptance by the parasitoids. Thesuspected parasitized mealybugs batches were incubated untilparasitization could be established. Mummies and emerging female andmale wasps were recorded.

1-33. (canceled)
 34. A Biological Control Agent (BCA) system comprisingprocessed parasitized mealybug mummies; wherein said processedparasitized mealybug mummies are essentially devoid of their limbs andwaxy covering.
 35. The BCA system according to claim 34, wherein saidprocessed parasitized mealybug mummies are processed in a manner thatstrips off their waxy covering and detaches their limbs withoutimpacting on their viability as a host for parasitoid pupae.
 36. The BCAsystem according to claim 34, wherein said processed parasitizedmealybug mummies are encased in specially adapted packaging for storing,delivering and/or distributing said modified parasitized mealybugmummies.
 37. The BCA system according to claim 34, wherein saidprocessed parasitized mealybug mummies has storage capacity of up toabout 28 days, particularly between about 14 days to about 28 days. 38.The BCA system according to claim 34, wherein said processed parasitizedmealybug mummy is derived from any mealybug species including but notlimited to Planococcus citri, Planococcus ficus, Planococcus vovae,Phenacoccus solani, Phenacoccus madeirensis Phenacoccus herreni,Pseudococcus comstocki, Pseudococcus cyptus, Pseudococcus viburni,Pseudococcus longispinus Dysmicoccus brevipes, and Maconellicoccushirsutus or any combination therein.
 39. The BCA system according toclaim 34, wherein said parasitoid is selected from species that laytheir eggs in mealybug nymphs or adults, consisting of endo-parasiticwasps, Encyrtidae family, Leptomastix algirica, Anagyrus pseudococci andany combination thereof.
 40. A method of controlling mealybuginfestations on a plant, wherein the method comprises the steps of; a.infesting a host plant with 1^(st) instar stage of the mealybug; b.detaching mealybug nymphs and young females from said host plant; c.parasitizing said detached mealybug nymphs and young females; d.incubating the parasitized mealybugs to produce mummified parasitizedmealybug mixture; e. rinsing the mummified parasitized mealybug mixture;f. separating out the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs, from saidmixture; g. drying the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs; h.packaging said viable mummified parasitized mealybugs so as to obtain aprocessed parasitized mealybug mummy product devoid of limbs and waxycovering; and, i. administering said parasitized mealybug mummy productto a crop at risk of infestation by mealybugs or to an infested crop,thereby controlling mealybug infestations on said plant.
 41. The methodaccording claim 40, further comprises the step of storing said packagedmummified parasitized mealybugs before administering it to the plant.42. A method of producing a mealybug BCA comprises the steps of: a.infesting a host plant with 1^(st) instar stage of the mealybug; b.detaching mealybug nymphs and young females from said host plant; c.parasitizing said detached mealybug nymphs and young females; d.incubating the parasitized mealybugs to produce mummified parasitizedmealybug mixture; e. rinsing the mummified parasitized mealybug mixture;f. separating out the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs, from saidmixture; g. drying the viable mummified parasitized mealybugs; h.packaging said viable mummified parasitized mealybugs, said packagedmummified parasitized mealybug is devoid of limbs and waxy covering.and, i. storing and/or distributing said packaged mummified parasitizedmealybugs as a mealybug BCA.
 43. The method according to claim 42,wherein said step of infesting comprises an additional step ofmaintaining said 1^(st) instar stage mealybug for about 25 days at about25° C., or between about 35 to 42 days at about 27° C., and at about 60%relative humidity on a factitious plant host, till they reach the 3^(rd)instar nymph or young female stage.
 44. The method according to claim42, wherein said step of detaching comprises an additional step ofblowing mealybug nymphs or young females from their factitious hostplant using an air blower.
 45. The method according to claim 42, whereinsaid step of parasitizing mealybug nymphs and young females comprises atleast one additional step selected from the group consisting of: (a)parasitizing mealybug 3^(rd) instar nymphs and young females (b)separating dirt and small mealybugs from larger mealybugs through asieving tower, and (c) exposing weighed and quantified mealybug nymphsand young females to the prospective parasitoid population in aparasitization cage.
 46. The method according to claim 42, wherein saidstep of incubating the parasitized mealybugs, comprises at least oneadditional step selected from the group consisting of: (a) incubatingthe parasitized mealybugs to produce mummified parasitized mealybugmixture in a parasitization cage, and (b) removing parasitized mealybugsfrom said parasitization cage to be incubated until the parasitoidsreach the pupal or pre-pupal stage, while replenishing theparasitization cage with fresh unparasitized mealybug population. 47.The method according to claim 42, wherein said step of rinsingparasitized mealybugs comprises the additional step of rinsingparasitized mealybugs that have reached the parasitoid's pupal orpre-pupal stage through a sieving tower with water spray nozzles, andthereby separating out large viable mealybug mummies from dead or smallmealybugs.
 48. The method according to claim 42, wherein said step ofseparating out viable parasitized mealybugs mummies comprises theadditional step of selecting floating mealybugs and mummies frommixtures that have been drained in a conical water bath.
 49. The methodaccording to claim 42, wherein said step of drying viable mealybugmummies comprises the additional step of drying said mummies by drainingthem on a screened tray and exposing them to air flow in a dryingchamber.
 50. The method according to claim 42, wherein said packing stepcomprises at least one additional step selected from the groupconsisting of: (a) weighing and quantifying said parasitized mealybugmummies by counting samples under a stereoscopic microscope, (b)providing a quantified population of viable parasitized mealybug mummiesfor storage or distribution, and (c) mixing parasitized mealybug mummieswith fine sawdust in a 5:1 ratio, respectively, in a ventilated andlabeled plastic container in preparation for storage at 14° C.
 51. Themethod according to claim 42, wherein said distribution step comprisesthe additional steps of obtaining stored or fresh batches of parasitizedmealybug mummies, replenishing them with fine sawdust mixture to thedesired level, then, placing about 2 grams, equivalent to 500-1000parasitized mealybug mummy individuals in a sealed ventilated containerwith a detachable adhesive label.
 52. The method according claim 42,further comprising the steps of providing a mummified parasitizedmealybug product adapted to be attached to a plant or an objectadjoining a crop, to function as an effective distribution means of themealybug BCA at the desired location.
 53. A mummified parasitizedmealybug product, in which each mealybug is essentially devoid of limbsand waxy covering enclosed in a packaged form in a container withdetachable double-sided adhesive labeling for attaching to a plant orobject wherein said mummified parasitized mealybug product is aneffective mealybug BCA.
 54. A mummified parasitized mealybug productaccording to claim 53, produced by steps of: a. incubating mealybugs tothe correct nymph stage or young female on a factitious plant host; b.detaching said mealybugs with specially adapted air blower from saidplant host; c. obtaining mealybug 3^(rd) instar nymphs and young femalesby separating out detached mealybugs according to size; d. samplingselected mealybug 3^(rd) instar nymphs and young females to estimatepopulation size, e. exposing selected mealybugs to adultendoparasitoids, f. incubating parasitized mealybugs until theparasitoids reach pre-pupal or pupal stage and the mealybugs turn intomummies; g. rinsing and separating out large viable mummies from thepopulation of parasitized mealybugs; h. drying selected parasitizedmealybug mummies with dry air on screened tray; thereby a mummifiedparasitized mealybug product is obtained useful as a BCA.